October 10, 2018 1:42pm EDTOctober 10, 2018 1:42pm EDTAmerican Football, English, Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFLThe Steelers quarterback said even after Le'Veon Bell returns to the team, James Conner should still have a top spot with the team.James Conner(Getty Images)

If all goes according to plan, running back Le'Veon Bell will return to the Steelers during the Week 7 bye and play in Week 8.

So what does that mean for second-year tailback James Conner? Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said it shouldn't change Conner's role with the team too much, since he's earned his spot.

"I think James has done some amazing things and deserves to be on the field," Roethlisberger told the media Wednesday, via ESPN.com. "We also know what Le'Veon is and what he brings to the table. I guess we'll cross that bridge if and when it happens."

Bell has been a holdout during the entire offseason and this season so far after the Steelers placed the franchise tag on him for the second year in a row. He has yet to sign the $14.5-million tag, but that could change if he reports to the Steelers during the bye week.

Meanwhile, Conner has stepped up in Bell's absence, rushing for 342 yards and five touchdowns along with 239 receiving yards.

According to Roethlisberger, Conner has steadily improved from his rookie season and has continued to do so, even when his performance is a little shake.

"If you look at the overall picture of what we've asked him to do every week, I think it's been going up every week," Roethlisberger said. "I think that's what gets lost in what a running back [does] and what he's been doing — pass blocking, picking up the blitz, catching out of the backfield. I don't want to jinx anything, but he's catching almost everything I'm throwing to him, and he's in the right spot all the time quickly."

If Bell were to return during the team's Week 8 game against the Browns, a combination of him and Conner in the backfield could be very effective.